Chapter 52: Unexpected Encounters — A Familiar Face Appears

The gentle hum of conversation filled the Orchid Pavilion as Zhao Feng and Su Mei parted ways temporarily. She was swept into another round of greetings with prominent figures, but her lingering gaze followed Zhao Feng, curiosity shimmering in her eyes.

Zhao Feng, however, found himself drawn to the lavish bar. Crystal glasses sparkled beneath the golden light, the rich aroma of aged whiskey hanging in the air. As he lifted his glass, savoring the burn of the liquor, a voice called out from behind him.

"Well, well. Never thought I'd see you here."

Zhao Feng turned, his sharp gaze meeting a familiar sight. Lin Shutong — the so-called goddess of his university days — stood before him. Dressed in a sleek silver gown that hugged her figure, she radiated elegance, but Zhao Feng could see the carefully veiled surprise in her eyes.

Her heart twisted at the sight of him. He was no longer the timid man who once sought her attention. There was confidence in his posture, a magnetic presence that she couldn't ignore. Why does he look even more untouchable now?

"Lin Shutong," Zhao Feng greeted calmly, his voice devoid of the reverence it once held.

"You seem... different," she remarked, her eyes scanning him with curiosity. "No longer the naive student who chased after me."

Zhao Feng smiled faintly. "People change."

She stepped closer, her polished facade faltering ever so slightly. "Rumors say you've become quite influential. But no one really knows how. Care to share your secret?"

"Would it matter if I did?" Zhao Feng countered. "After all, the Lin Shutong I remember never cared about who I was, only what I could offer."

Her expression stiffened, but she quickly masked it. "That's not entirely fair."

"Isn't it?" Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed with amusement. "But don't worry. I'm not here to dwell on the past."

Just then, Su Mei's voice broke through the tension. "Zhao Feng, there you are."

Lin Shutong's eyes flickered to Su Mei, and for the briefest moment, jealousy flashed across her face. The powerful businesswoman's presence was undeniable, her arm gently brushing Zhao Feng's as she joined him.

"And who might this be?" Su Mei asked, though her poised smile betrayed her understanding.

"An old acquaintance," Zhao Feng replied simply. "Nothing more."

"Is that so?" Su Mei's eyes danced with amusement. "Well, it's a pleasure."

Lin Shutong clenched her jaw but forced a polite nod. "Likewise."

"I've heard a lot about you," Su Mei continued, her tone layered with subtle authority. "Zhao Feng seems to have quite the colorful past. Though I must say, the present is far more intriguing."

Lin Shutong's smile faltered. "The past has its lessons, Miss Su. I'm sure Zhao Feng has learned plenty."

"Indeed," Su Mei said, her fingers tracing the rim of her champagne glass. "But some lessons are best left behind."

Ding!

[Lin Shutong's Curiosity +30%]

[Su Mei's Dominance +15%]

Zhao Feng's smirk remained as he led Su Mei away. The night had certainly taken an interesting turn — and the game was only getting started.